Your Source For Michigan Gaming News

Since 1997, the Michigan Gaming website has been a comprehensive resource regarding gaming in the state of Michigan. This site is an RMC Ventures, LLC publication, with contributions by the original creators of the site, Attorney David Waddell and Gaming Analyst Robert Russell, and additional contributions by Attorney J.J. Burchman.

Mr. Waddell, Mr. Russell and Mr. Burchman are also associated with Regulatory Management Counselors, P.C., which proactively assists clients in managing regulatory issues in an effort to maximize company profits and avoid legal problems.

On Wednesday, November 29, 2017, the Ohio Senate passed by a 25-4 vote legislation that would legitimize and regulate fantasy sports, approving House Bill 132. The proposed legislation provides for the licensing and regulation of fantasy sports by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. The legislation explicitly provides that such activities are not gambling. Small office pools such as March Madness and football pools would not be subjected to the new law.

While the original legislation proposed a six percent tax on the industry, the Senate stripped taxation from the bill before passing it. Instead, operators would simply pay the commercial activity tax on business gross revenue, currently .26%. They would also have to pay licensing fees up to $10,000 per year.

House Bill 132 returns to the House to be approved with the Senate changes. The house had previously overwhelmingly approved the measure last May. While the legislation appears destined to pass, the Ohio House only has two session days left before the year-end recess. Any legislation would then have to be signed by Ohio governor John Kasich.